The passions of Paolo Bediones

Hosting is apparently something that he does best – in the weekly showbiz-oriented talk show S-Files and the nightly reality game show Extra Challenge, both on GMA 7. But Paolo Bediones likes to explore his multi-faceted talents that’s why he also dabbles into acting occasionally.

"I love hosting," Paolo asserts. "But acting is something that I always want to try my hands on. It’s a challenge for me, that’s why when I learned about this chance to act again, I immediately welcomed the opportunity."

Three years ago, Paolo made his big screen debut in the Sharon Cuneta-Richard Gomez screen reunion, Walang Kapalit. It took a long while for him to make another film, since Paolo was loaded with TV assignments. However, when an offer came to star with Bong Revilla Jr. in a fantasy-epic, Paolo didn’t pass it up.

Paolo joins the stellar cast of Exodus, Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom, jointly bankrolled by Dondon Monteverde’s Reality Entertainment and the Revilla family’s Imus Productions. Filmed with a skyrocketing budget of P70 million, the film boasts of dazzling costumes and sets, spectacular effects and star-studded cast. The theme park Enchanted Kingdom and the post-production house Ingnite Media headed by Dave Hukom also contributed to the making of Exodus.

In the film directed by Erik Matti from a screenplay by Dwight Gaston, Paolo plays Eliseo, the leader of the underground city of Bantayan who becomes the mentor of the young Bong (played by the actor’s son, Jolo Revilla).

"Direk Erik (Matti) was very patient with me," Paolo grants. "This is a fantasy-drama, so this is definitely new for me. But Direk Erik guided me throughout the days that I shot for the film. I only had very few shooting days, but I’m very proud to have been given a chance to be a part of this production."

Since he joined show business nearly a decade ago, Paolo has charted an enviable course in his career. To date, he is one of the most sought-after male hosts in the local entertainment scene. Yet, the road to success was not an easy one for Paolo. The BS Psychology graduate from Ateneo de Manila University initially tried out his luck at modeling which became his stepping stone to showbiz.

His first hosting assignment was the sports program, Game Plan, in 1996. But not before long, GMA 7 bosses noticed his huge potential and talent, so he was given one good break after another. Throughout all these years, Paolo has displayed his determination, hard work and perseverance, which sustained him in the dog-eat-dog world of showbiz. He has undoubtedly carved his own niche in the business that’s why even when there are newcomers on the scene, he does not feel threatened at all.

"I love what I do and I always take my work seriously," Paolo says. "That’s important. I’m enjoying myself in this profession. There are not too many male hosts in showbiz today, but there are thousands of aspirants out there. You should value everything that’s being given to you."

As if his showbiz calendar is not yet filled up, Paolo also has his hands full with other endeavors. He has wisely invested his showbiz earnings into profitable ventures. To date, he runs a production house, a dental clinic called Esthetica in Libis, Quezon City, and a badminton center called Toss and Smash. He also brokers for group discount cards for health clinics.

Next year, Paolo will also finance the production of a digital film in three different medium, with Rico Gutierrez at the helm. "I’ve always been a big fan of films," Paolo reasons out. "We plan to release the digital film in Canada."

Given his celebrity status, Paolo does not cease to be spared from controversies. As one of local showbiz’s most eligible bachelors, Paolo recently landed in gossip columns where he was rumored to have had a sex video with a starlet who is an erstwhile member of the Baywalk Bodies. But Paolo refuses to dignify the talk. He dismisses it as a dirty trick, althought he does not deny that he and the starlet used to be text mates, so that explains why his name is in the latter’s phone directory.

However, while he seemingly gets endlessly linked with every other girl in showbiz, 31-year-old Paolo is not bothered about the rumors. Quite admirably, he has managed to distance his personal life (with a romance with a non-showbiz girl) from his career.

As far as acting is concerned, Paolo admits he is quite unsure about how fans would take his different role in Exodus. But he is proud to be in the cast of the big-budgeted film. The production converted an abandoned warehouse in San Juan into a make-believe lair of the film’s villain, singer-rapper-TV host Jay-R, who is making his much-anticipated big screen debut as the hideous Haring Bagolbol in Exodus. Paolo’s make-believe underground kingdom also occupies a spot in the said production locale.

Whether he will give more attention to acting next year, Paolo insists it all depends on the projects and offers. "I want to try out more challenging roles in future films," he allows.

Exodus imported fight instructors from China, led by Philip Kho, who trained the lead stars, supporting cast and stuntmen for the spectacular fight scenes in the movie. Benjie Paras’ costume alone costs a whopping half-a-million bucks, according to Bong’s younger sister, Andrea Bautista-Ynares, who works hands-on behind the scenes.

Shot in Cavite, Laguna, Quezon and Rizal, Exodus brings to life Filipino folk creatures like tikbalang, manananggal, kapre and the five elementals (earth, air, fire, water, spirit) in mind-boggling fight scenes.

Joining the cast of Exodus are Aubrey Miles and Iya Villania who play the female leads, with child star BJ "Tolits" Forbes, Long Mejia and Ram Revilla. Former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. appears in a cameo role as Bong’s father, with Phoemela Barranda as the wife.

This early, Exodus has generated global interest on the strength of its stars and producer’s reputation. The producers informed the movie is also scheduled to be shown in China, Hong Kong and Macau, following its Metro Manila Film Festival run from Dec. 25 to Jan. 3, 2006.